Rays' Wil Myers is taking spring training seriously

PORT CHARLOTTE, Florida -- Forget the cake and candles,Wil Myers got a new team for his birthday.

"It was actually a couple hours before my birthday. I was traded on December 9," said Myers. "I think it was a good birthday present for me, but I was shocked. It's a good opportunity for me to be here, so I'm excited."

He's making an impression already. In the cage and on the field, his teammates are noticing.

"I was just in awe. I didn't know what to think," said outfielder Desmond Jennings. "I didn't know he was that big. I thought it was Neiman in the box."

"That was the one thing that I was surprised to see is his size," said third baseman Evan Longoria. "Just meeting him, he's built well. He's a well put together kid."

As tall as he stands, his reputation is even bigger. One of the top prospects in baseball isn't shying away from high expectations.

"It's not pressure really, it's just more of a challenge to show them what I can do," he said. "To come out every day and show them what I can do."

The talent is obvious. He has power here in the cage and is smooth in the field, but it's his personality that's standing out most to teammates. Joe Maddon said Myers actually reminds him most of a guy that has nothing to do with baseball.

"He reminds me of a beefier Jim Carrey," he said with a smile.

"I've never heard that one before," said Myers. "I don't know how to take that. I guess that means he thinks I'm funny."

All jokes aside, he's alikableguy. A star in the making, ready to prove he's more than just hype.

"I'm taking this very seriously. I am fighting for a job out here. Most importantly, I'm looking forward to getting ready for the season," said Myers. "Have good at bats. Work on my defense. Just make sure I'm ready."